This news comes from The Hollywood Reporter, where no reason was given for the Cumberbatch's exit, though the upside is that the film isn't set to start shooting until January, so there's plenty of time for recasting. But one wonders if it's because Cumberbatch found a juicier gig. He's definitely an in-demand actor, as he was the best thing in 'Star Trek Into Darkness,' and he's got a devoted following because of his British television series 'Sherlock,' which is currently shooting its third season.

This isn't the first time 'Crimson Peak' has had to replace a cast member as the film initially had Emma Stone in a part that's now being played by Jessica Chastain. Perhaps he dropped out as he's getting tired of playing bad guys as the premise is -- according to THR -- a "horror story that centers on a woman who discovers that her husband might not be who he appears to be."